Computation has long been tethered to computers, desks, and screens, but what if it didn’t have to be? Imagine being able to think, model, and solve problems without sacrificing your posture, narrowing your gaze, or feeling boxed into a single space. This post is a primer on “computation without computers”—a vision for integrating computation into our natural, organic world in a way that maximizes human potential, respects the body, and adapts to how we think best.
My personal motivation comes from having recently worked my way out of about a decade of chronic pain issues that limited how long and in what ways I could use a computer, especially for someone who grew up spending all of their time enjoying playing with those devices.
This was an extremely difficult phase, but it made me an early adopter of any new medium of interacting with computers that could be powerful. The most recent generation of AI is what finally crossed the threshold into the Goldilocks zone for me.
See you next time.
The Influence of Space, Movement, and Context on Thinking
Human cognition is deeply shaped by the spaces we inhabit and how we orient ourselves within them. For example, the cathedral effect shows that high-ceiling spaces encourage abstract, expansive thinking, while low-ceiling environments foster focus on detail and execution. Similarly, putting on a hoodie can signal to your brain that it’s time to concentrate or enter a particular mental zone. Movement, posture, and sensory context all dramatically influence our cognitive processes.
Yet, much of modern computation forces us into physically constrained environments: hunched over desks, staring at small screens, and limiting our physical and sensory engagement. This not only affects our bodies but also our ability to think creatively and expansively.
What Is Computation, Fundamentally?
At its core, computation is the representation of information in data structures and the transformation of that information through algorithms (algorithms/functions). It’s the backbone of better understanding—whether for individuals modeling ideas or organizations optimizing systems.
But computing today largely happens on rigid devices. The phone, for example, is a hub for computation but a poor tool for interaction: it demands a narrow, contractive gaze and relies on limited input options like typing on a tiny screen. This setup is the antithesis of environments that encourage fluid, dynamic thought.
Toward Natural Computing We’re living in a moment where computation is increasingly untethered from traditional computers. Devices like smartwatches, earbuds, smart glasses, and VR headsets demonstrate the potential for distributed computing that integrates seamlessly into our daily lives. Each of these devices comes with trade-offs but opens new possibilities for interaction and mobility:
- Smartwatches: Quick, glanceable information.
- Earbuds: Always-on auditory input/output.
- Smart Glasses: Visual overlays without blocking the world.
- VR Headsets: Immersive spatial computing for focused tasks.
These tools, combined with advances in AI, are transforming how we compute. Voice interfaces, for instance, now allow us to “talk through” workflows, clarify models, and generate code without relying on complex visual interfaces. The result? Computation becomes conversational, intuitive, and accessible in more environments.
The Vision: A Dynamic, Adaptive Computing World
The future of computation lies in breaking free from fixed spaces and devices. Imagine carrying something like a personal version of Dynamicland—a physical, interactive computing space—everywhere you go. This system wouldn’t force you to adapt to technology; instead, it would adapt to your needs, preferences, and context.
- Multimodal Input: Computation should respond to how you think best. Some problems call for visual interfaces, others for auditory tools, and still others for physical interaction or movement.
- Body-Respecting Design: Tools should work with, not against, the human body, allowing for natural postures and movement. Fluid Transitions: You might brainstorm expansively in a high-ceiling room, refine details in a focused space, and collaborate in motion—all with seamless computational support.
Final Thoughts
This shift toward “computation without computers” isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a fundamental rethinking of how we integrate computation into human life. The goal is not to replace computers but to make computation as natural and versatile as thought itself.
The opportunity is enormous: by leveraging ambient computing, AI-driven interfaces, and multimodal tools, we can unlock a new era of productivity and creativity—one that honors both the mind and the body.
This is just the beginning of the conversation, but the vision is clear: computation should move with us, think with us, and grow with us. It’s time to unbox computation from its screens and desks and let it live in the world with us.
Raw